Dutch quantum technology start-up QphoX has received a 2 million euro investment. The money will go towards the development of what it calls a Quantum Modem, which can connect future quantum computers together.
QphoX’s Quantum Modem allows multiple quantum processors to be linked together, making networks at scales beyond tens or hundreds of qubits feasible. “It is the exact same thing as a classical modem except for quantum computers,” Simon Gröblacher, the CEO and founder of QphoX, told TechCrunch. “It kind of converts electrical and microwave signals to optical signals coherently, so you don’t do any of the quantum information in the process.” This allows two quantum computers to talk to each other over the internet.
Agnostic to types of computers
QphoX’s system can handle several types of quantum computers. Gröblacher explains that his company focuses entirely on microwaves, which means it can handle superconducting qubits, topological qubits and more. According to Gröblacher, QphoX’s only competitors are currently active in the academic world and QphoX is the only company working on a real product.
Investors
The investors consist of Quantonation, Speedinvest and High-Tech Gründerfonds. Rick Hao, the Principal of the Deep Tech team at Speedinvest, says his company wants to invest in start-ups working on the early stages of future technology. He expects QphoX to be well-positioned to make a big impact in the long run. Companies such as Google, IBM, IQM and Microsoft have already given very positive feedback on QphoX’s work, Gröblacher told Quantum Delta.
Quantum research in Delft
The roots of QphoX lie at the Technical University in Delft, where more important developments in the field of quantum computers originate. The QuTech research team also has its roots in the university. Last month, that team unveiled the first ‘quantum internet’. The team also recently claimed to have made a breakthrough with the first quantum computer in which four qubits operate in a grid.
4 hours ago
